'THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST'

February 2004
		Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ," opened Ash Wednesday to mixed reviews. Two theology professors take your questions on the religious and philosophical questions surrounding the film.

Forum Introduction What viewpoint does the Vatican have on Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich? Why would her book on the Passion be or why should it not be a source for depicting the story on film? I am confused about the movie's depiction of the central idea of Christianity as the crucifixion of Jesus. Do you recognize modern-day movies as the new art form in the 21st century in communicating religious messages/themes and specifically the Christian message? If Mel Gibson is in a conservative movement within Catholism that rejects the reforms of Vatican II, wouldn't it follow that he would reject the declaration of that body that Jews were not responsible for Jesus' death? What evidence would you give that Protestant theology has minimized the crucifixion; and would it therefore follow that Catholic theology has minimized the resurrection? Mel Gibson claims the movie is historically accurate but in actuality, isn't the story of Jesus' crucifixion portrayed in the Gospels? So aren't there 6 or so different versions of the story? Where is he getting his historical evidence? Do you feel comfortable with the artistic license Mel Gibson exercised in the dialogue, and a number of events, not found in the Gospels, both personally and theologically?	Simon Smith of Chula Vista, California writes: Excited about the topic of Christian theology being brought to the "public square" in one of the most powerful media for communicating any message, none other than the film industry. Appreciate the dialogue and light debate between Dr. Johnston and Dr. Cunningham. My question is to both: Do you recognize modern-day movies as the new art form in the 21st century in communicating religious messages/themes and specifically the Christian message? Dr. Cunningham alluded to the subtle and overt Anti-Semitism in the film; for Dr. Johnston, can films such as The Passion create a new Christian "counter-reformation" and/or increase in extreme religious fundamentalism? Dr. Robert Johnston responds: Yes, movies are the primary art form for the 21st century. They are the means through which our society tells its stories and gets its primary metaphors, myths, etc. Just ask your friends how many saw Schindler's List or The Lion King. The answer, I suspect, is all of them. As to a new "counter-Reformation," that is an interesting idea. Yes, I believe the movie is helping Christians across the spectrum (and non-Christians as well) focus again on the crux of the Christian faith - the cross. This focus is thought scandalous or absurd by those outside the faith, but for those who believe, it is the power and wisdom of God (cf. 1 Corinthians). The movie does a wonderful job of suggesting that the cross had to do both with God's love and God's justice, as well as with a cosmic battle with evil. All three interpretations of the cross have a long and rich history in the church and Gibson has skillfully interwoven them. Dr. Philip Cunningham responds: Christian faith has been expressed in whatever media prevailed in different times and places for two millennia. Therefore, it is not surprising that movies about Jesus appeared almost as soon as cinema was invented. Whether such initiatives are positive or negative depends on the individual artwork. I myself am troubled by the black and white dualism of Gibson's effort that divides the world into believers and unbelievers. This divisive perspective has been evident in the debate over the film, where supporters declare critics of the film to be enemies of the New Testament or of Christian faith. Having said that, though, I suspect that filmed, theatrical, musical, or visual media can only go so far in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. They cannot replace the witness of the life of discipleship of the Christian community: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).